In our physical body, cancer represents the life which is not governed by order and the result of disharmony between the cells of the body. Cancer is like a parasite. Parasites feed off a host body in order to survive. Similarly, cancer cells consider the body as a host, which they exploit ruthlessly to achieve their goals.
Many people live a long and healthy physical life, but spiritually suffer. And most suffer because of pride and ego. In the spiritual world, C.S. Lewis considered pride to be a spiritual cancer. “For pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.”
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America is nutritionally confused. And for good reason. Marketing and false promises are the forefront of every nutritional belief.
Every system, diet or program "guarantees" results if you follow their every step. So many people try with good intentions, but sadly fail. Does this mean they have a lack of willpower? Does this mean they're stupid? Or that they're a total failure?
No. Absolutely not. America is "food confused" because of so many systems out there. Unlike other parts of the world, where ancient cultures are still connected to the land, or consume specific foods during harvest season, most Americans have lost touch to the basics of agriculture and simple eating.
So what is the missing ingredient in the world of nutrition?
Every system, diet or program "guarantees" results if you follow their every step. So many people try with good intentions, but sadly fail. Does this mean they have a lack of willpower? Does this mean they're stupid? Or that they're a total failure?
No. Absolutely not. America is "food confused" because of so many systems out there. Unlike other parts of the world, where ancient cultures are still connected to the land, or consume specific foods during harvest season, most Americans have lost touch to the basics of agriculture and simple eating.
So what is the missing ingredient in the world of nutrition?
It is our spirit, which is missing.
America has lost touch with it's body and it's bodily awareness through the last few decades. Although it's making a comeback, the combination of desk jobs, technological devices, and artificial foods have "blocked" Americans not only from their spirit, but also from the connection and energy of the land.
Nutrition from a logical lens nourishes, or fuels, us, but more from a weight loss/gain perspective. It's the energy balance equation. If you eat more than you expend you gain weight. If you eat less than you expend you lose weight. Although this philosophy contains truth, there is a missing link.
Nutrition from a logical lens nourishes, or fuels, us, but more from a weight loss/gain perspective. It's the energy balance equation. If you eat more than you expend you gain weight. If you eat less than you expend you lose weight. Although this philosophy contains truth, there is a missing link.
A calorie is a unit of energy. And what you consume energetically matters not only nutritionally, but emotionally, psychologically and mentally. We've lost touch in fueling the spirit, where today we use food for superficial reasons. This in itself is spiritual and understand the spiritual context of food created by God.
Viewing nutrition through a spiritual lens ignites a fresh perspective, seeing food through a new light.
God's wisdom is profound. Depending on whether you believe in creation or evolution, we can all agree that food from nature provides the necessary nutrients that the human body needs for optimal function.
I believe some issues related to obesity is due to a lack of one's connection to spirit. Most people on this planet crave "something more." This "something more" is our soul, or our higher self talking to us.
God's wisdom is profound. Depending on whether you believe in creation or evolution, we can all agree that food from nature provides the necessary nutrients that the human body needs for optimal function.
I believe some issues related to obesity is due to a lack of one's connection to spirit. Most people on this planet crave "something more." This "something more" is our soul, or our higher self talking to us.
Food is medicine and heals us internally as well as promotes exterior beauty.
Our physical body is the vessel that our soul uses to connect to the Divine. When clean, healthy and whole, our bodies continue to "bring in" more of the light. This light inspires us to further nourish our heart and soul.
Many ancient traditions considered the body sacred, believed that taking care of the body ensure's one health and longevity. in simple terms, the body is a temple. Interior beauty is just as important as exterior beauty. You can read more at my other blog link, Why You Should Treat Your Body as a Temple.
Not only is nutrition important, but ancient cultures also believed in the art and well-being of movement, holistic medicine, relaxation techniques and adequate sleep. These traditions viewed the body not as God, but as a vehicle to God.
So what makes these ancient cultures different than today? These cultures had a spiritual foundation.
Many ancient traditions considered the body sacred, believed that taking care of the body ensure's one health and longevity. in simple terms, the body is a temple. Interior beauty is just as important as exterior beauty. You can read more at my other blog link, Why You Should Treat Your Body as a Temple.
Not only is nutrition important, but ancient cultures also believed in the art and well-being of movement, holistic medicine, relaxation techniques and adequate sleep. These traditions viewed the body not as God, but as a vehicle to God.
So what makes these ancient cultures different than today? These cultures had a spiritual foundation.
Without a spiritual foundation, nutritional knowledge can only go so far.
No matter how strict one's diet is with adequate vitamins, minerals and vegetables, one is still susceptible to health issues. This doesn't mean that one should not attempt towards better health, but without stable emotions and a mindset and a connection to God, nutrition can only be taken so far.
In today's world, we have a surface level understanding of nutrition thanks to marketing and quick-fix gimmicks.
Children are natural intuitive eaters, but adults once we enter the "real world" we experience eating a myriad of complex eating issues. Some eat their emotions due to stress, loneliness or depression. Some don't eat because of body image issues. We adopt beliefs around the "right and wrong" foods.
In today's world, we have a surface level understanding of nutrition thanks to marketing and quick-fix gimmicks.
Children are natural intuitive eaters, but adults once we enter the "real world" we experience eating a myriad of complex eating issues. Some eat their emotions due to stress, loneliness or depression. Some don't eat because of body image issues. We adopt beliefs around the "right and wrong" foods.
We need a mix of nutritional and spiritual enlightenment.
We are more than just a body, but a vehicle containing a spiritual source. Please read the upcoming blog post that discusses questions one should ask regarding their spiritual foundation and nutritional knowledge.
Happy Easter! The season of rebirth and resurrection is in full flow. Wherever one is on their path to ascension, this is the season where one can grow, evolve and walk forward to a better life. Whether you love Christ, or think the entire story is "fake news," the story of Christ is powerful.
Christ was an anti-establishment man. He was a rock. He was fixed on his convictions and could not be swayed or tempted into darkness. His beliefs were strong, yet his heart was soft. He guided people toward the light.
Wherever you are in life, guide yourself into the light to become the best version of you. Let go of the layers that hold you back from achieving your greatest potential. You are a beacon of light and hope. But, in order to become a beacon of hope, you must let go of all that no longer serves you.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Christ was an anti-establishment man. He was a rock. He was fixed on his convictions and could not be swayed or tempted into darkness. His beliefs were strong, yet his heart was soft. He guided people toward the light.
Wherever you are in life, guide yourself into the light to become the best version of you. Let go of the layers that hold you back from achieving your greatest potential. You are a beacon of light and hope. But, in order to become a beacon of hope, you must let go of all that no longer serves you.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Some say life is a series of random and chaotic events. Others say life is pre-determined by God. Whatever you believe, the cycle of life and nature never changes. But sadly, it has changed. The climate is as confused as people are in this country on how to eat.
The beauty of spring is here. A time of rebirth and the season of precious petals falling to the earth and petite birds chirping with the morning sun. The key is that warmth drives this season. The temperatures rise and people begin to sow seeds into the earth.
The beauty of spring is here. A time of rebirth and the season of precious petals falling to the earth and petite birds chirping with the morning sun. The key is that warmth drives this season. The temperatures rise and people begin to sow seeds into the earth.
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As life gains more energy at this time of year, it is important to continue on the path of consuming natural foods. Like a bird searching for seeds and berries, this "bird food," granola bar is one of the healthiest snacks you can eat.
Most mainstream granola bars on the market contain a variety of either sweeteners, artificial ingredients or preservatives.
These chewy (not crispy) granola bars are naturally sweetened from the banana and the maple syrup. There is gunk or junk, only hearty, healthy and wholesome goodness. Enjoy!
Most mainstream granola bars on the market contain a variety of either sweeteners, artificial ingredients or preservatives.
These chewy (not crispy) granola bars are naturally sweetened from the banana and the maple syrup. There is gunk or junk, only hearty, healthy and wholesome goodness. Enjoy!
"God gives every bird its food, but He does not
throw it into its nest."
Josiah Gilbert Holland
Vegan Chewy Puffed Rice Banana Granola Bar
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Bake Time: 16 minutes
Makes 4-5 Bars
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup puffed rice
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 banana
1/4 cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
2 tbsp maple syrup
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Mix all of dry ingredients into a bowl. In a blender, puree the banana, nut butter and maple syrup. Mix with dry ingredients until well combined. Line a bread pan with parchment paper and pour the mixture in. If desired, cut slices into the mixture before baking.
Bake for 16 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool. **If you did not cut slices into the mixture, do so after baking before cooling.**
Let's Connect & Check out my other snack recipes!
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Bake Time: 16 minutes
Makes 4-5 Bars
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup puffed rice
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 banana
1/4 cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
2 tbsp maple syrup
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Mix all of dry ingredients into a bowl. In a blender, puree the banana, nut butter and maple syrup. Mix with dry ingredients until well combined. Line a bread pan with parchment paper and pour the mixture in. If desired, cut slices into the mixture before baking.
Bake for 16 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool. **If you did not cut slices into the mixture, do so after baking before cooling.**
Let's Connect & Check out my other snack recipes!
5-Ingredient Blueberry Cashew Bites
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Vegan Orange Cranberry Millet Trail Mix Bars
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Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Raspberry Love Bites
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Move. Nourish. Wander. Those are three principles I live by. In life, we discover ourselves through human movement as well as when trekking abroad. In order to live a healthy life, whole-foods nourishment is key. Outside of America, ancient cultures tend to eat closer to nature, consuming more whole foods that fuel the body for the present season.
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April is one of the most beautiful months in Seattle. The cherry blossoms are in bloom, while the trees bud with leaves. But, if one thing is for certain, April showers do bring May flowers. The weather is often gloomy, rainy and chilly in April. So heartier meals and warm soups are necessary to make it through the dreary month.
With a bit of warmth from the cherry blossoms and spices, nourish yourself this spring to ignite the inner fire that resides within you. Spring is the season of rebirth, and seeds planted in the ground germinate with warmth. Warmth is makes us grow and attract good things in life. Stay healthy and warm, and I hope you enjoy this "stew."
With a bit of warmth from the cherry blossoms and spices, nourish yourself this spring to ignite the inner fire that resides within you. Spring is the season of rebirth, and seeds planted in the ground germinate with warmth. Warmth is makes us grow and attract good things in life. Stay healthy and warm, and I hope you enjoy this "stew."
Vegan Tomato Chickpea + Kale "Stew"
Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
Cook Time: 20ish minutes
Ingredients:
2 cans of chickpeas, drained and washed
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
1.5 cups kale, chopped
1 can coconut milk (see directions below)
1.5 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 shallot, chopped (or appox. 1/4 cup onion)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/4 tsp oregano
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 + 1/8 tsp basil
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup cilantro
Directions:
Cook the shallot and garlic with the olive oil in a deep or pot for several minutes (or until fragrant). Add the tomato paste and spices and continuously mix, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and kale, continuously mixing for 1-2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, one half to one cup at a time, based on your preference in taste and creaminess. Use between 1-2 cups (1 can is equivalent to 2 cup).
Simmer until fragrant and the kale is cooked down. Add the cilantro, mix, and remove from heat.
Serve over rice or quinoa if desired.
Let's Connect! Check out my other recipes below!
Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
Cook Time: 20ish minutes
Ingredients:
2 cans of chickpeas, drained and washed
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
1.5 cups kale, chopped
1 can coconut milk (see directions below)
1.5 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 shallot, chopped (or appox. 1/4 cup onion)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/4 tsp oregano
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 + 1/8 tsp basil
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup cilantro
Directions:
Cook the shallot and garlic with the olive oil in a deep or pot for several minutes (or until fragrant). Add the tomato paste and spices and continuously mix, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and kale, continuously mixing for 1-2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, one half to one cup at a time, based on your preference in taste and creaminess. Use between 1-2 cups (1 can is equivalent to 2 cup).
Simmer until fragrant and the kale is cooked down. Add the cilantro, mix, and remove from heat.
Serve over rice or quinoa if desired.
Let's Connect! Check out my other recipes below!
Vegan & Gluten Free Apple Cherry (Blossom) Almond Bread
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Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage
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Vegan Creamy Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo
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Who doesn't love pasta? It's one of the most filling (and easy-to-make) meals for plant-based eaters. As a single person, I batch cook pasta meals on Sundays. This allows me to bring my lunch to work between Monday through Thursday.
Not only does this save me money, but in general, most of my pasta recipe ingredients are made in under ten dollars.
Arugala, also known as rocket, is a bitter yet spicy green. Some people love it. Other people despise it. But, most people can eat it cooked instead of raw. If you are looking for something healthy and budget-friendly, try this arugula and lemon pasta recipe.
Not only does this save me money, but in general, most of my pasta recipe ingredients are made in under ten dollars.
Arugala, also known as rocket, is a bitter yet spicy green. Some people love it. Other people despise it. But, most people can eat it cooked instead of raw. If you are looking for something healthy and budget-friendly, try this arugula and lemon pasta recipe.
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Lemon, Basil + Arugala Pasta
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients:
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tbsp olive oil
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 cups arugala
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 cups dried pasta
1/2 cup basil, chopped
1 tsp nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp salt
pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil. Add the arugula, tomato and basil and cook for several minutes. Overcooking leaves mushy arugula and skin to release off tomatoes.
Once the pasta is done, combine all the remaining ingredients into the pan with the vegetables. Mix and adjust spices as necessary.
Let's Connect! Enjoy our other pasta recipes below.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients:
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tbsp olive oil
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 cups arugala
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 cups dried pasta
1/2 cup basil, chopped
1 tsp nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp salt
pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil. Add the arugula, tomato and basil and cook for several minutes. Overcooking leaves mushy arugula and skin to release off tomatoes.
Once the pasta is done, combine all the remaining ingredients into the pan with the vegetables. Mix and adjust spices as necessary.
Let's Connect! Enjoy our other pasta recipes below.
Vegan Creamy Kale + Mushroom Pasta
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Lemon Dill Pasta
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Nothing but Greens Pasta
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Each and every day that we wake up with the morning sun is a blessing. We've made it another day, and no matter how hard life gets, just being alive is a blessing in disguise.
The world has been messed up since the dawn of man. If life is a battle between the light and the dark, it is no wonder hardship and suffering is a part of this planet. Spiritual people believe the soul incarnates to planet earth to learn various lessons and to grow its soul.
The world has been messed up since the dawn of man. If life is a battle between the light and the dark, it is no wonder hardship and suffering is a part of this planet. Spiritual people believe the soul incarnates to planet earth to learn various lessons and to grow its soul.
It's no secret that humans desire change, specifically at the collective level. And many people crave change at work and are great at improving themselves professionally, but not personally or spiritually.
Some people take their spiritual growth and relationship with God seriously, where others think this type of mentality is non-sense. Regardless of what one believes, every single day we wake up with the morning sun presents us with an opportunity to change, grow and evolve ourselves.
Some people take their spiritual growth and relationship with God seriously, where others think this type of mentality is non-sense. Regardless of what one believes, every single day we wake up with the morning sun presents us with an opportunity to change, grow and evolve ourselves.
Change takes time. Sometimes it happens overnight, but for most people it is a continuous process and most find successful change when enlightening themselves and detaching from the material world.
Even thinking about changing, or pondering about a better life, is the first step to any change. You first must have some thoughts and then eventually take action.
Most people cannot change alone. They require a support system. Logically, this would include family, friends, counselors, healers or anyone with the ability to guide others. Christians believe we need God and Christ to help us through our evolution in life.
If we are in the driver's seat of our own life, we must take responsibility for our thoughts, actions and behaviors and we are solely in charge of our emotional health and well-being.
Isn't that an amazing blessing and gift? To be able to wake up every day and start again - whether in thought or in behavior pattern - and continue to improve our lives each and every day.
What do you think? Do you think every day is an ability to change? If you have any personal experiences that can help other people, please comment below!
Even thinking about changing, or pondering about a better life, is the first step to any change. You first must have some thoughts and then eventually take action.
Most people cannot change alone. They require a support system. Logically, this would include family, friends, counselors, healers or anyone with the ability to guide others. Christians believe we need God and Christ to help us through our evolution in life.
If we are in the driver's seat of our own life, we must take responsibility for our thoughts, actions and behaviors and we are solely in charge of our emotional health and well-being.
Isn't that an amazing blessing and gift? To be able to wake up every day and start again - whether in thought or in behavior pattern - and continue to improve our lives each and every day.
What do you think? Do you think every day is an ability to change? If you have any personal experiences that can help other people, please comment below!
Who doesn't love sweet potato fries? They're simple. They're delicious. And they're healthier than regular deep-fried French fries.
Sweet potatoes are a wonderful compliment to many vegetarian Mexican dishes. And with Cinco de mayo around the corner I took a chance and tried something different - a south of the border sweet potato fry flavor.
Sweet potatoes are a wonderful compliment to many vegetarian Mexican dishes. And with Cinco de mayo around the corner I took a chance and tried something different - a south of the border sweet potato fry flavor.
Batch cooking on one's own can be a long process. It is important to make simple and budget-friendly recipes that do not require hours dedicated to prep work and baking. One trick to making fries more crispy without using flour or corn starch is by cutting smaller fries. The longer or thicker the fry, the longer the baking time alongside with the possibility of the fries not getting crispy.
There are many tricks to the homemade French fry trade, but if you want a natural fry without adding flour or starch, avoid super thick fries.
There are many tricks to the homemade French fry trade, but if you want a natural fry without adding flour or starch, avoid super thick fries.
Cilantro Lime Sweet Potato Fries
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20-23 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2 lbs. Sweet potatoes, washed and sliced
1 small lime, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/8-1/4 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp onion salt + garlic salt
optional: lime zest
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut the sweet potatoes into slices. Mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a greased baking sheet (use cooking spray). Bake for 12 minutes and then flip the sweet potatoes once, and return to bake for another 11-13 minutes. Adjust spices as needed. Sometimes the flavor sets in after 24 hours.
Let's Connect!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20-23 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2 lbs. Sweet potatoes, washed and sliced
1 small lime, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/8-1/4 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp onion salt + garlic salt
optional: lime zest
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut the sweet potatoes into slices. Mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a greased baking sheet (use cooking spray). Bake for 12 minutes and then flip the sweet potatoes once, and return to bake for another 11-13 minutes. Adjust spices as needed. Sometimes the flavor sets in after 24 hours.
Let's Connect!
Author
Elizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com
Follow her travels at: lemontreetravel.com
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